Council decide to permanently close town’s swimming pool

Councillors have decided to permanently close Minsthorpe swimming pool.

Wakefield council cabinet members made the decision on Tuesday to shut the leisure facility on Minsthorpe Lane, South Elmsall.

Last month the Express reported that South Elmsall councillor Steve Tulley hoped a new £3m replacement pool would be built to open in 2015.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Coun David Dagger, cabinet member for culture, sport and libraries, said: “We have carried out surveys that have highlighted quite a number of problems with the pool that would cost £1.2m [to fix]. So we’re asking to permanently close the pool and carry out a full review of all services across the district.

“We’re looking at options about how to deliver sports facilities in the future.”

The pool, which has a staff of 17, has been closed since April 15 for inspections to be carried out.

A crack was found in the pool and the pool filtration system was in ‘poor condition’.

Coun Tulley, leader of South Elmsall town council said he hoped the new pool proposal would go ahead.

He added: “I think it would be a travesty if we are left without any leisure facilities.

“We don’t have anything as it is so for it not to be replaced would be terrible.”

Council leader Peter Box, said: “We’re agreeing to permanently close Minsthorpe pool but we’re not saying that there won’t be future provision on the site or in the south east of the district.

“It doesn’t make economic sense to go ahead with renovation but we are aware of what’s needed against our financial targets.”

Coun Olivia Rowley, cabinet member for children and young p eople said: “It’s sad for the people of that part of the district but we shouldn’t be pumping money into a facility that needs so much love and attention when it’s a bottomless pit. That’s the reality and we have the chance, if finances are available, to resolve the issues in the south east and provide better facilities.”